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Night Driving Routes Reopen to ORV Use on September 15

Acting Superintendent Kym Hall announces that on Monday, September 15 (at midnight) ORV routes in Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) will reopen to night driving where no turtle nests remain or to the first posted closure in that route.The Seashore's Off-Road Vehicle special regulation states that from September 15 to November 15, night driving is allowed on ORV routes, or portions thereof, with no turtle nests remaining.A permit is required for any off-road vehicle use in the National Seashore.

In addition, beginning September 11, residents and visitors should note the newly constructed Ramp 25 will open to the general public except for the boardwalk area which is still under construction.

During the 2014 summer wildlife breeding season, 125 sea turtle nests have been protected on Seashore beaches.As of today's date, a total of approximately of 62 nests remain in the ground. Visitors should note they will encounter sea turtle nest protection areas in effect parkwide.Closure conditions may change in the field on short notice and these posted protection areas are closed to all ORV, pedestrian and pet entry. On-site signage of a closed area will be clearly marked in the field with "symbolic fencing" consisting of wooden or carsonite posts, closure signs, string and black filter fencing.

As a reminder, on November 1, 2014, the seasonally closed village beaches (Tri-villages of Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo, Avon, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Campground) will reopen to ORV use, except for sections of the beach with sea turtle nest protection areas. Pets are strictly prohibited in posted resource protection areas and must be physically restrained at all times on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.